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Is My Roof Energy-Efficient?
Your roof's primary job is to protect your home. However, it is also crucial to the efficient running of your home's HVAC system. Consequently, it is important that your roof is energy efficient. This is especially true here in Arizona, where we see record-setting high temperatures. However, it can be difficult for the average homeowner to know whether their roof is energy efficient.
Signs your roof isn't as energy efficient as it could be including:
- Noticeable heat or cooling loss
- Your HVAC system has to run longer and more often to maintain comfortable temperatures.
- Your utility bills have increased without a clear reason why.
- You have inadequate or missing insulation in your attic or crawlspace.
- Your roof is not well ventilated.
- Your roof is in disrepair or has visible damage.
- You are experiencing roof leaks.
Ways to Make Your Roof More Energy Efficient
If you are concerned about your roof's energy efficiency, you should reach out to an experienced, licensed roofer like ours at Lyons Roofing. In addition to providing high-quality, expert-level services to every customer, we believe in educating our customers and providing them with the tips they need to get the most out of their roofing.
Keep reading for four helpful tips on improving the energy efficiency of your roof.
Select a Lighter Colored Roof Material to Help Keep Heat Down
When it is time to replace your roof, selecting a lighter colored roofing tile or shingle can help improve your energy efficiency. Lighter colors help reflect the sun and may reduce the amount of heat your roof produces and transfers into your home. The less heat that makes it inside your home, the less your air conditioner must work to keep you cool. This will not only save you money on your monthly energy bill, but it will also help extend the life of your AC. Getting the most out of your AC is particularly important here in Arizona, where temperatures often reach triple digits in the summer.
Make Sure Your Roof is Sealed, and Your Attic or Crawlspace is Well-Insulated
If you have an attic or crawlspace, it must be adequately insulated. Insulation is what stops heat and cooling loss through your roof. It also helps prevent the summer heat from leaching into your home. Without insulation, you end up fighting a losing battle against the heat. Your AC has to run continuously, which isn't good for your wallet or the environment.
It is also crucial that your flat roof be sealed correctly. Roof sealant provides an extra layer of protection for your roof. This protection extends to protecting your roof from the damaging effects of the sun. When your roof is sealed, the sealant takes the brunt of the sun's rays instead of your roof. This extends the lifespan of your roof, meaning you can go longer before having to replace it.
Install a Solar Attic Fan & Improve Your Roof's Ventilation
Just as it is important to have your attic insulated, it is equally important that your roof be well-ventilated. Ventilation helps keep the air moving and stops heat from building up. A solar attic fan offers an excellent, affordable solution to poor or inadequate attic ventilation. Not only is the attic powered by the sun, making the operating costs free and emission-free, but it also effectively keeps the air moving through your attic or crawlspace.
Keep Your Roof in Good Repair with Annual Maintenance
The best way to ensure that your roof's energy efficiency isn't compromised is to schedule annual maintenance with a professional roofer like Lyons Roofing. Damage to your roof, such as loose and missing shingles or tiles, leaks, and damaged flashing, directly affects the efficiency of your roof. Roofing systems are incredibly complicated and are comprised of several different parts, all working together. When one element is in disrepair, the entire system is compromised.
